Kirchweih Motten (Kirmes)

Kirchweih in Motten — Franconian tradition with Rhön character

When the days get shorter at the end of September and autumn moves into the Rhön, the village of Motten celebrates its Kirchweih. As everywhere in Franconia, the Kerwa was originally the patronal festival of the local church — today it is the most important traditional event of the year, bringing generations together at the same table.

Motten — at the gateway to the Bavarian Rhön

The municipality of Motten is located in the district of Bad Kissingen in the state of Bavaria, directly on the border with Hesse and on the edge of the Bavarian Rhön Nature Park. With around 2,000 inhabitants, Motten is one of the smaller municipalities in Lower Franconia, but thanks to its location between Hochrhön and Sinngrund, it has preserved its own unique identity. The Kirchweih reflects this rural down-to-earthness hour by hour.

Course of a Kerwa weekend

The official opening, as with every Franconian Kirchweih, takes place on Sunday with the festive church service, followed by a convivial Frühschoppen (morning pint) in the festival tent. Throughout the weekend, you can expect:

• Festival operations with draft beer and Franconian specialties
• Performances by the local music association and regional bands
• Dancing and socialising until the evening hours
• Program items for families and older guests

Why the trip is worthwhile

Unlike the big folk festivals in the metropolises, the Kirchweih Motten is a real village Kerwa. Anyone who wants to experience the authentic Franconia off the beaten tourist paths will find a warm, tradition-conscious event here — and can combine their stay with hikes in the Hochrhön or a trip to Bad Brückenau and Bad Kissingen.